top of page

Dress Codes – Decoding the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection 

This not-to-be-missed exhibition is at Kensington Palace until 30 November 2025. 
Kensington Palace is a stunning location for the Dress Codes Exhibition.Photo: Historic Royal Palaces
Kensington Palace is a stunning location for the Dress Codes Exhibition.Photo: Historic Royal Palaces

Discover never-before-seen royal fashion treasures in Dress Codes, a new exhibition included in the admission ticket at Kensington Palace.  Explore the codes and conventions of royal clothing, and the powerful impact fashion can make when boundaries are pushed and dress codes evolve. 

The Jasper Conran orange suit and Catherine Walker evening dress worn by Diana, Princess of Wales. Photo: Historic Royal Palaces
The Jasper Conran orange suit and Catherine Walker evening dress worn by Diana, Princess of Wales. Photo: Historic Royal Palaces

Rarely Seen Treasures

Among the highlights of this exciting new exhibition are pieces worn by a young Queen Elizabeth II, Diana, Princess of Wales, Dame Vivienne Westwood, Princess Margaret and Queen VictoriaDress Codes showcases both recognisable and rarely-seen treasures from theRoyal Ceremonial Dress Collection, a collection of 10,000 objects spanning 500 years, cared for by Historic Royal Palaces. 

Stunning items from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection on display in 2025 include an extremely rare Japanese court suit dating from the early 20th century, and a never-before-seen 1920s Reville court dress worn to Buckingham Palace. 


A New Generation

Alongside these spectacular examples of royal and court dress, discover how dress codes can be reset and re-made for today through designs by our Young Producers, aged 14-17. This new partnership with local youth groups paves the way for a new generation of young people to contribute to the arts and fashion industries. 


Essential Information:

Dress Codes is open until 30 November 2025

Admission is included with palace tickets, available to purchase here.

 
 
bottom of page